#我在Gate广场过新年

The seventh day of the Lunar New Year, a great day to start work! What customs should be observed?
1. Praying for blessings and welcoming the new journey
On the seventh day of the first lunar month, commonly known as “Renri” or “People’s Festival,” it is said to be the day Nuwa created humans, thus regarded as the birthday of all humanity.
1. Eating Seven Treasures Soup (or Seven Dishes)
Cooked with seven auspicious vegetables, called “Seven Treasures Soup” or “Seven Dishes,” symbolizing “seven kinds of blessings, warding off sickness and disaster.” Different regions choose different vegetables, but all carry good wishes through homophones.
2. Eating Longevity Noodles (Soul-Dragging Noodles)
In northern China, there is a tradition of eating noodles called “Soul-Dragging Noodles,” symbolizing wrapping the legs of the years with long noodles, praying for health and longevity, and smooth days. It also signifies the end of the holiday, encouraging people to gather their scattered spirits and prepare for a new year of work and life.
3. Wearing People’s Victory or Giving Flowers
In ancient times, women would cut small figures or flowers from colored paper or gold foil and wear them in their hair, called “People’s Victory” or “Flower Victory,” to celebrate “Renri” and also symbolize good luck, beauty, and auspiciousness. Friends and relatives also exchange gifts to enhance the festive atmosphere.
4. Climbing High to View Far
Climbing high on Renri is different from the risk-avoidance of the Double Ninth Festival; it is meant to broaden horizons and boost spirits, setting a higher tone for the new year’s endeavors. This custom also symbolizes shifting from holiday relaxation to an active, progressive lifestyle.
5. Fish Salad (Southern Custom)
In southern regions like Guangdong and Fujian, there is a custom called “Fish Salad.” People sit around a table, lifting slices of fish and ingredients high while shouting “Lao a! Fa a!” meaning “Rising step by step” and “Getting prosperous,” symbolizing continuous growth and thriving business.
2. Bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, a lucky start to work
In 2026, the seventh day of the first lunar month is marked as “Full Day” in the lunar calendar, meaning “full and abundant” but “not overflowing.” It symbolizes having accumulated enough energy, making it suitable to organize oneself and start steadily, laying a solid foundation for the year’s endeavors rather than rushing ahead.
1. Setting off firecrackers to celebrate opening for business (Opening Market)
Lighting firecrackers to welcome the new business year, as the firecrackers scare away “poverty gods” and bad luck, and also symbolize welcoming wealth and blessings into the door. The new year’s business is prosperous! Some southern regions also have the tradition of roasting pig or goose.
2. Congratulating colleagues and exchanging New Year wishes
After returning to work on the seventh day, it is usually the first meeting of colleagues or business partners for the new year. Everyone offers good wishes, hoping for a prosperous and lucky year with continuous good fortune.
3. Giving Red Envelopes and Lucky Money
Bosses give “Start Work Red Envelopes” to employees, usually with even amounts. Additionally, in southern regions, married people often give red envelopes to unmarried individuals for good luck. Since there are many red envelopes, the amounts are generally modest. Unmarried people also ask for “Lucky Money” (soliciting red envelopes) to seek good fortune.